The Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s 2014 season at Ewing Manor in Bloomington features three inter-related productions, “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Elizabeth Rex,” and “Antony and Cleopatra.” All three productions utilize the same company of actors as well as the same set designer, Kristen Ellert, whose work is inspired by England’s Globe Theatre.

“Much Ado About Nothing,” opens the season on Friday, July 11. Johathan West will direct the witty comedy. Messina’s soldiers have returned from victory abroad to discover new battles at home. Sworn bachelor Benedick and his fiery counterpart Beatrice engage in a war of words and wit while their friends watch their attraction grow stronger with every skirmish. In keeping with the way it was performed in Shakespeare’s time, the production has an all-male cast. Implementing original practices encourages the audience to consider how the plays were written to be performed, and reveals jokes in the text that might otherwise be overlooked.

“Elizabeth Rex” will open July 12. This award-winning play by Timothy Findley is directed by Paula Suozzi, former Artistic Director of Milwaukee Shakespeare. The play takes place on the night before Elizabeth’s lover, Essex, is executed for treason by her order. Requiring distraction, Queen Elizabeth I determines to see a new play by William Shakespeare called “Much Ado About Nothing” (seen this season as Elizabeth would have seen it) and summons Shakespeare and his actors to spend the night in her company — a night of discovery that reveals both her vulnerability and strength. Thomas Anthony Quinn returns for his eighth Festival season as Shakespeare, notable Milwaukee actress Deborah Staples plays Elizabeth.

When: Performances begin July 11 and continue through Aug. 9. There will be preview performances July 8 and 10.

Where: Ewing Manor, 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington.

Tickets: $27 to $47. Available at the Center for the Performing Arts box office, 462 W. Beaufort St., Illinois State University campus, Normal, by calling 438-2535, (866) IL-SHAKE, or (TTY) 438-8620. Tickets can also be purchased online through Ticketmaster-Ewing shows, or Ticketmaster-CPA shows. After 5:30 p.m. on performance dates tickets are available for purchase through the evening ticket office at Ewing Manor. Phone 828-9814.